Scottsdale residents give high marks to city services and quality of life

Scottsdale residents give high marks to city services and quality of life
The vast majority of Scottsdale residents are pleased with their quality of life and with services provided by the city, according to the National Citizen Survey, which the city conducted late in 2013.
The overall quality of life in Scottsdale was rated “excellent” or “good” by 98 percent of survey participants – the highest percentage since Scottsdale began using the survey in 2003.

“The survey clearly shows that we are hitting the mark in most areas,” said Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane. “I am glad to see that our residents are proud of their community and happy with everything it has to offer. The survey also shows a few areas where we can improve and enhance services provided to them.”

The survey results provide insight into how city residents feel about their community, about their local government, and about their interactions with both.

Residents consider Scottsdale a safe and enjoyable place to live, work and raise a family.

Of 53 characteristics of community assessed in the survey, Scottsdale residents rated 36 above the national benchmarks and none below. Here are some notable results from this category:

98 percent rated their quality of life excellent or good

97 percent felt safe in their neighborhood, downtown and in commercial areas

82 percent rated education and enrichment opportunities excellent or good

Residents are pleased with the quality of city services and with Scottsdale employees.

Of 43 characteristics related to local governance and city services, residents rated 14 above the national benchmarks and none below. Here are some notable results from this category:

87 percent rated the services provided by the city excellent or good

80 percent rate the customer service provided by city employees excellent or good

70 percent feel they are getting good value for taxes paid to the city

Residents interact with government and the community at or below national rates.

Of 29 characteristics of participation, Scottsdale residents’ level of activity was above national benchmarks in three categories, similar to national benchmarks in 26 categories, and below in six categories. Here are some notable results from this category:

A random sample of 1,200 households in Scottsdale received the survey by mail. About 20 percent of those completed and returned the survey, providing a margin of error of 6 percent. In addition, about 200 people took an online version available to everyone (those results are tabulated separately).

Scottsdale regularly surveys its residents to give them a chance to rate their quality of life and provide feedback on city programs and services. The results help Scottsdale set service priorities in ensuing years.

The National Citizen Survey is designed specifically for use by local governments and has been used by more than 350 communities in 48 states. Because similar surveys are conducted in hundreds of jurisdictions, Scottsdale can compare its results with other cities across the country.